... for independence and self-expression in the midst of her "awakening". One of the novel's minor characters, Adele Ratignolle, serves as a foil to Edna, illustrating all the qualities of the ideal nineteenth century housewife which Edna refuses to adopt. The novel's theme of rebellion against feminine ideals of the Victorian era becomes most clear when certain facets of the two women's characters are compared. The ... degree of loyalty that each woman bestows upon her husband serves as one example of their contrasting interests. Adele idolizes her husband, and would do anything to please h...

• Word Count: 425
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... in Jane Austen's Emma through her characters' actions and behaviors. Gilbert and Gubar refer to the "madwoman in the attic- as the female character of a novel who embodies a woman author's rage and struggle towards a patriarchal society. In Emma, this character is Mrs. Churchill. Although Austen restricts ... physical entrance into the novel and writes her as a silent role, doing so only serves to further conceal the true angst and anxiety of a prevalent female author in the nineteenth century. In nineteenth century literature, women writers were essentially not permitted to achieve tru...

• Word Count: 1102
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School